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Abstract:

A machine and process for accepting customer payments and placing orders
for telecommunications services is disclosed. The machine and process
include a kiosk operable to accept account set-up information from an
individual, accept payment from the individual, collect identifying data
from the individual, and communicate with a system to activate a
telecommunication account for the individual. The kiosk may be placed
wherever quick telecommunication account set-up and payment verification
is necessary, for example: a correctional facility or college campus.

Claims:

1. A system for receiving an inmate service account payment, the system
comprising: a kiosk at a correctional facility to receive transaction
information associated with the inmate service account payment and to
collect biometric data associated with an operator of the kiosk; a
database to store the transaction information and the biometric data; a
network allowing communication between the kiosk and the database; and a
processor to generate a real-time transaction record including the
transaction information and the biometric data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk further comprises: a payment
acceptor to receive the inmate service account payment.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the payment acceptor comprises a bill
validator.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the payment acceptor comprises a
magnetic card reader.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk further comprises: an
identification recording device to collect the biometric data.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the identification recording device
comprises a microphone.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the identification recording device
comprises a camera.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the biometric data comprises at least
one of: a voice recording, a fingerprint, a hand print, a cornea scan,
and a photograph.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a customer reporting engine
to query the database for transaction records.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the network allows the kiosk to be
remotely monitored.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor correlates conditions of
acceptance for the inmate service account payment amount according to
restrictions placed on the inmate by the correctional facility.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the transaction information includes
one or more of: identification information for an inmate associated with
the inmate service account, a payment amount, a type of inmate service to
be funded with the payment, and identification information associated
with an owner of the inmate service account.

13. A system for receiving an inmate service account payment, the system
comprising: a kiosk at a correctional facility to collect biometric data
associated with an operator of the kiosk and to receive transaction
information comprising: identification information for an inmate
associated with the inmate service account, a payment amount, and a type
of inmate service to be funded with the payment; a processor to couple
the biometric data and the transaction data into a real-time transaction
record; a database to store the real-time transaction record; and a
network allowing communication between the kiosk, the processor, and the
database.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the biometric data comprises at least
one of: a voice recording, a fingerprint, a hand print, a cornea scan,
and a photograph.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the kiosk further comprises: a
payment acceptor having at least one of: a cash bill validator and a
magnetic card reader.

16. A method of receiving an inmate service account payment, the method
comprising: collecting information at a kiosk located at a correctional
facility, the collected information comprising biometric data associated
with an operator of the kiosk and transaction information; communicating
the collected information to a network; generating a real-time
transaction record that includes the transaction information and the
biometric data; and storing the real-time transaction record on a
database in communication with the network.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the transaction information includes
one or more of: identification information for an inmate associated with
the inmate service account, a payment amount, a type of inmate service to
be funded with the payment, and identification information associated
with an owner of the inmate service account.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the biometric data is not used for
verification or authentication purposes during the transaction.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving a payment
request; and authorizing or denying the payment request.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the real-time transaction record is
generated and stored regardless of whether the payment request is
authorized or denied.

Description:

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 11/017,504, filed on Dec. 20, 2004. Which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/572,555, filed on
May 19, 2004, both applications by the inventors and of the same title
herein, and both of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications
and more specifically it relates to a machine and process for rapidly
accepting customer payments and placing orders for telecommunications
services.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Since the inception of facility-based call processing in
correctional facilities, telecommunications providers have struggled with
a variety of issues including new account set-up, collection of monies,
and posting of payments in a timely manner. New account set-up for
inmates and friends or family that desire to engage in telephone
conversations with an inmate may take as long as two to three business
days. Once the account is set-up then the issue of payment method must be
resolved. Currently, telecommunications providers will accept payment by
check or money order via the US Postal Service; by credit card, debit
card, or direct funds transfer from an existing checking account via an
Interactive Voice Response System accessed by telephone; or by Western
Union.

[0006] Because customers expect fast and efficient service, the above
described system tends to create customer service calls that increase
costs to the telecommunications provider. Therefore, it would be
preferred to have a system that can establish new accounts rapidly and
reduce customer service calls relating to account set-up delays.

[0007] Customers also expect to be able to use cash for most transactions
without a penalty. The current system requires a money order and the
delay of mailing to hinder the use of cash in the telecommunications
service transaction. Therefore, it would be preferred to have a system
that allows easy cash payment, to set-up and maintain telecommunications
services for an inmate, by the inmate at booking, by the inmate during
incarceration, and by friends or family who are not incarcerated.

[0008] As an attempt to address some of the delays in set-up,
telecommunications providers have rushed services and thus, incurred high
levels of bad debt. Bad debt is expensive to incur because of the
administrative overhead involved in carrying and managing the debt as
well as the direct write-offs. It would be preferred to have a system
that quickly verifies payments to reduce bad debt while also providing
quick set-up and reducing calls to customer service.

[0009] A final problem facing the current system of providing
telecommunications services in correctional institutions is that of the
short stay inmate. For example, an inmate who may stay in lockup for less
than 3 days while arranging bail. The time lag for set-up for these
inmates is longer than their anticipated stay, so the telecommunications
provider has no opportunity to effectively serve these potential clients.
This is lost business for the telecommunications provider and an
aggravation for the inmate who is unable to communicate effectively with
friends or family.

[0010] Although the problems listed above are specific to the correctional
facilities market, similar problems are found in other situations where
the invention may be helpful. Therefore, the invention described below is
not to be limited to correctional facilities, nor is the invention to be
limited to solving the problems listed above.

SUMMARY

[0011] There is a need in correctional facilities and other markets for a
machine and process for accepting customer payments and placing orders
relating to telecommunications services.

[0012] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
machine and process for accepting customer payments and placing orders
relating to telecommunications services.

[0013] This object may be achieved by providing a kiosk operable to accept
account set-up information from an individual, accept payment from the
individual, collect identifying data from the individual, and communicate
with a system to activate a telecommunication account for the individual.
The kiosk may be placed wherever quick telecommunication account set-up
and payment verification is necessary, for example: a correctional
facility or a college campus.

[0014] The present invention provides significant advantages, including:
(1) set-up information may be collected in a variety of written languages
without the need for extensive translation services; (2) payment may be
verified at the point of sale thereby avoiding bad debts; (3) identifying
data may be stored with a transaction record to facilitate matching the
transaction to a particular person; (4) account activation may be
automated and provided at the time of transaction; and (5) costs per
account may be reduced by reducing costs associated with account set-up
inquiries and associated customer service calls.

[0015] Additional objectives, features, and advantages of the invention
will be apparent in the written description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set
forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as,
a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof,
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1A is a front view of a kiosk;

[0018] FIG. 1B is a side view of the kiosk of FIG. 1A

[0019] FIG. 1C is a top view of the kiosk of FIG. 1A;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an operation of a kiosk;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system including the kiosk of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is an example of a menu screen that may be presented at a
kiosk;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an Inmate Prepaid Account transaction;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a Direct Bill transaction;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic of possible kiosk locations within a
correctional facility;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a Friends and Family transaction;

[0027]FIG. 9 is an example of a Graphical Customer Interface with a touch
sensitive keyboard;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a schematic of a system associated with a kiosk for
processing account transactions;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic of a system associated with a kiosk for
processing account transactions; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is an example of a Graphical User Interface for a Customer
Report Engine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof,
and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may
be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the
art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in
a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only
by the appended claims.

[0032] The present invention represents the discovery that a properly
equipped kiosk may communicate with a properly equipped system to provide
telecommunication service account set-up and payment autonomously with
reduced customer service costs and reduced bad debt. The system,
according to the present invention, is particularly useful in
applications where delays may cause additional customer service calls or
reduce the number of available customers, as well as applications where
bad debt is expected to be high.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B in the drawings, a kiosk 10 is shown
as an interface to be used by customers (shown in dashed lines) to
conduct transactions relating to telecommunication services. Kiosk 10 has
input/output devices 12 to communicate during a transaction. In a
preferred embodiment, a touchscreen 14 provides for simultaneous input
and output by allowing a customer to make selections in a menu driven
environment. A printer 16 may also be used as an output device to provide
a physical receipt of the transaction for a customer. Additionally, kiosk
10 has payment readers 18 to read various methods of payment. In a
preferred embodiment payment readers 18 include a magnetic card reader 20
for reading credit cards, debit cards and other magnetic payment cards,
as well as a bill validator 22 that reads and validates paper money. As
new payment methods become commonplace, such as Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID), barcodes, or wireless technologies, the
appropriate payment readers 18 may be added to kiosk 10.

[0034] Continuing with FIGS. 1A and 1B of the drawings, kiosk 10 may
include speakers 24 to provide audio output such as response feedback or
oral instructions for customers with limited reading skills. Kiosk 10
preferably also includes identification recording devices 28 to provide a
record of the individual who was the customer for a particular
transaction. Although preferred, the invention does not require the
measurement and recording of biometric data. However, one skilled in the
art will appreciate the advantages of taking such measurements. Recording
devices 28 will record a biometric measurement of the customer for
storage with the transaction record. In the preferred embodiment, a
unidirectional cardoid microphone 30 is used to provide a voice
recording, or voice print, and a camera 26 is used to record a still
photograph of the customer's face, or face scan. Additionally, other
biometric measurement devices may be used depending on the level of
security desired and future developments in the security technologies
field. Some other biometric measurements that may be used include
fingerprints, cornea scans, and hand prints. Each technology has its own
advantages and disadvantages depending on the end use.

[0035] The physical housing of the preferred embodiment of kiosk 10 shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B is optimized to reduce footprint while still providing
adequate user interaction and security. Kiosk 10 may also be built into a
wall with public access on one side 20 of the wall and restricted access
on the opposite side of the wall. Additionally, kiosk 10 may provide
additional input/output devices for the handicapped, such as a lower
touchscreen 14 for wheelchair access, volume controls for the hearing
impaired, or a Braille display for the blind. Furthermore, the kiosk is
powered by a processor 31 that directs the above-listed features and
collects data. Processor 31 may be a standard personal computer, which
provides ease of repair and cost savings. Processor 31 is also adapted to
communicate with a communications network, as will be described in more
detail below.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, an operation of kiosk 10
is shown as a flow chart. "Touchpay Kiosk Start Screen" 100 allows the
customer to indicate when the customer is prepared to begin a
transaction. "Language Choice" 102 allows the customer to choose a
preferred language in which to communicate with kiosk 10. Because the
system is menu-drive and field-based, the number of languages that may be
chosen is limited only by the initial translation costs for each language
and the availability of appropriate fonts to display each language. Once
a language is chosen at "Language Choice" 102, the remainder of the
transaction is conducted in the chosen language until the customer
returns to "Start Screen" 100. After choosing the appropriate language,
the customer is presented with at least three choices, as shown in FIG.
4. The choices shown are: "Friends and Family New Account" 105; "Inmate
Prepaid" 106; and "Direct Bill" 107. These three basic transactions
operate slightly differently, but have significant parallels. Upon
selecting any of these three choices, the customer is presented with
"Terms and Conditions" 103, which allows the customer to agree with
certain terms and conditions for the use of kiosk 10 and the related
system or to disagree. Agreement is required to proceed and failure to
agree leads to "Do Not Accept Terms" 104 followed by "Touchpay Kiosk
Start Screen" 100. One skilled in the art would recognize that additional
choices and services can be provided, including, but not limited to,
commissary payments, traffic citations, property tax citations, and the
like.

[0037] After selecting the appropriate transaction, a "Touchscreen Data
Input" 108, 109, 111 requires the entry of all pertinent information to
set-up the appropriate account. After entry of "Touchscreen Data Input"
109 for an inmate prepaid transaction an "Access Number Obtained From
Database" 110 obtains an active access number for the customer from a
database of prepaid access numbers 126 (shown in FIG. 3). "Input Data
Sent to Database for Processing" 112, 114 indicates that all data input
by the customer at "Touchscreen Data Input" 108, 109, 111 is sent to a
database of customer information 125 (shown in FIG. 3) for processing
while payment information is gathered. The customer then must choose an
appropriate payment method at "Pay with Cash Credit/Debit Card" 113. If
cash payment is selected, the cash is fed into bill validator 22 as shown
at "Cash Inserted in Bill Acceptor" 115. If credit card or debit card
payment is chosen, the appropriate card is fed into magnetic card reader
20 as indicated by "Credit/Debit Card Inserted Into Card Reader" 116, the
card reader 20 then transmits the data to a gateway for real-time
authorization or denial as indicated at "Real-Time Authorization Obtained
From Gateway" 117, and proceed to "Transaction Approved" 119 or
"Transaction Declined" 120. This provides for real-time set-up and
authorization of an account or at least substantially contemporaneous
with the transaction.

[0038] At this point, whether the bills are validated or not or whether
card payment is accepted or not, the transactions all record relevant
transaction data for review. Biometric data is gathered at "Still Picture
Taken of User" 118, 123 and the biometric data is sent with the complete
details of the transaction to a database at "Transaction History and
Photo Sent to Database" 121, 122. Certain data printed by the printer 16
for the customer to retain a physical receipt at "Receipt Data Sent to
Printer" 124.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, kiosk 10 is shown
schematically in relation to the system for providing account set-up and
management. Kiosk 10 communicates with "SQL Database of Pre-paid Access
Numbers" 126 and "SQL Database of Customer Information" 125. "Database
Administrator" 129 communicates with databases 125 and 126 to maintain
database integrity. "Remote Monitoring" 128 monitors one or more kiosk 10
and may selectively activate various features such as the "Biometric
Recording Devices" 26 at additional intervals. "Remote Monitoring" 128
also allows for selective shutdown of kiosk 10 as well as diagnosis and
trouble shooting of kiosk 10.

[0040] An "IP Based Web Interface Reporting System" 127 allows for access
to the customer information database 125 and transactional data stored in
the customer information database 125. The "IP Based Web Interface
Reporting System" 127 is connected to an "SOAP/XML Interface to Billing
System" 130 to provide billing information for the telecommunication
provider and a "Transactional History and Audit Reporting" 131 to provide
audit reports and transactional histories on an automated basis or by
query to the "IP Based Web Interface Reporting System" 127. The "IP Based
Web Interface Reporting System" 127 is preferably web-based to provide a
graphical user interface and conventional query tools based on the
database structure.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, an example of a graphical
user interface for use on a touchscreen 14 is shown, in English. The
menu-driven interface has four choices, three continuing to provide
service and one returning to the start screen 100. Touchscreen 14 allows
the user to simply touch icons 32 to choose one of the listed choices.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 of the drawings, each is a more
detailed portion of the flow chart of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates an
Inmate Prepaid Account transaction, while FIG. 6 illustrates a Direct
Bill transaction, and FIG. 8 illustrates a Friends and Family
transaction. A comparison of the three figures shows that the transaction
structure is similar and applicable to many different transaction types.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, a schematic of a
correctional facility 34 illustrates the possible locations for a kiosk
10. Because it is expected that many transactions will be conducted by
individuals other than the inmate, such as friends or family, a kiosk 10
may be located in the public visiting 36 area to allow friends or family
to set-up an account or make a payment during a visit to the correctional
facility 34. As discussed above, inmates will likely want to set-up an
account upon booking, especially for short stay inmates, and therefore a
kiosk 10 may be located in a receiving room 38 for inmate access upon
receipt into the correctional facility 34 and at other times as dictated
by the staff. Where multiple kiosks 10 are being used in a single
facility, the kiosks 10 may be directly joined by a wired or wireless
network to provide redundant services and backup.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawings, a screen shot of the
graphical user interface of a kiosk 10 is shown with a display area 40
having selection icons 32 and a touchscreen keyboard 42 (not shown). The
touchscreen keyboard 42 provides customer input without having the added
complexity of additional hardware, and thereby reduces maintenance costs
for the kiosk 10.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings, a system 50 is shown for
processing transactions from a kiosk 10. System 50 comprises kiosk 10 and
a data connection between kiosk 10 and a network 52, such as the Internet
or a similarly robust communications network. A "Payment Gateway Secured
Transactions" 54 communicates with the network 52 for approval of credit
card or debit card transactions at the kiosk 10, such as authorize.net or
another account verification gateway. A customer reporting engine (CRE)
56 communicates with the network 52 to allow for customized reports for
telecommunications service providers. A kiosk central server 58
communicates with the network 52 to collect and store all transaction
data from the kiosk 10, provide reporting data to the CRE 56, and store
authorization data from the gateway 54 in conjunction with transaction
data captured from kiosk 10. Transaction data will include financial
information, personal information and biometric measurements. In the
embodiment shown, "Kiosk Central Server" 58 comprises a web server 60, a
web service 62, and a database 64. Web server 60 and web service 62
provide a secure and robust connection between database 64 and network
52.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 11 of the drawings, the transmission of
transactional data, referred to individually as standard transaction
records or STRs, is provided to a telecommunications provider, or
partner, via push over an accessible network, such as the World Wide Web
or Internet, to the partner. Because of security concerns inherent in any
network, the data will typically be received outside of the partner
firewall, in what is commonly referred to as a "demilitarized zone" or
DMZ. This allows the partner to receive the data and ensure that no harm
will be done to the partner network by allowing the data inside the
network firewall. Once the data is within the firewall, it may be
processed into the partner billing system. FIG. 11 illustrates one of
many secure means for transferring transaction data to partners. While
the system shown has been developed to meet current partner demands,
variations to this system are easily applied to the current system to
meet future partner demands. Furthermore, the partner may provide a wide
variety of services including telecommunications or commissary services.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 12 of the drawings, a graphical user
interface for the customer reporting engine 56 is shown with sample
transaction data. Transaction data includes the following fields:

[0055] Authorization information (often includes multiple fields such as
success, positive or negative, and confirmation code); and

[0056] Biometric data (may include photo, face scan, fingerprint scan,
voice recording, voice scan, iris scan, or other biometric data used to
distinguish an individual from the general population).

[0057] The fields are provided in a web-based application that allows
queries based on the fields to provide customized reports. Such reports
can help to provide more efficient customer service, fraud prevention,
system audits, and troubleshooting.

[0058] It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has
been described and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown
in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but
is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from
the spirit thereof.